I was raised catholic but haven't been actively practicing the religion in my adult years, my fiance is not catholic either. But ever since I was a little girl I have dreamed of getting married in this HUGE cathedral in the downtown area of my city.
Can we get married there if neither of us are "Catholic"? (meaning I am but, I don't consider myself being, really)
Also, do you pay a church to get married there? Like make a donation, etc? If so, how much is acceptable?
2007-07-23 11:31:26 · 15 answers · asked by sadlymistaken 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
and I didn't ask the damn question to have people say it's "insulting" that I want to get married there or to b*tch at me for not being "religious" and YES I want to get married there because it is "PRETTY" would you want to get married somewhere ugly? you only do it once. jesus christ, you churchy people need to get over yourselves.
to everyone else, thanks for trying to help. it means a lot =D
2007-07-24 17:26:43 · update #1
You definitely need to talk to the priest of the church you are thinking of. Most of the time at really nice cathedrals they have many requests for weddings and they tend to give preference to those couples who currently are attending that church. The parish that you grew up in would be the ideal place if your parents are still active members.
All churches range differently in price from $300-$1000, but can make special arrangements if needed. I would also contact the church at least 6 months prior to getting married because they like to counsel you before marriage. Prior to getting a reception hall because a date of the church might be harder to come by!
2007-07-23 11:59:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Church doesn't take marriage lightly as it is considered a sacrament. There is a fair amount of marriage prep involved (pre-cana classes, meetings with the priest and other couples, retreats, etc.). The Church will welcome you with open arms, but be prepared to renew your commitment to Catholicism as well. A church wedding is beautiful, but there is more to it than the pretty building.
Meet with a priest and he'll help you out. If neither of you are Catholic, then you will likely not be able to marry in the church building. If you do register as the Catholic party, however, you will not need the full nuptual mass. Instead, you can choose to have the shorter version which includes the Liturgy of the Word, and the vows/rings/etc, but not the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This is the typical way when only one of the bride or groom is Catholic.
As far as donations go, it varies from parish to parish. My parish requests $200 for members and $300 for non-members. Again, the priest will give you the best answer, but that's an idea at least.
Best of luck with your plans!
2007-07-23 22:02:19 · answer #2 · answered by elsie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In order to be married in a Catholic church only one of the two must be Catholic. This means that you must be a baptized Catholic. The other person must be baptized but it does not matter what religion. Some churches will allow you to get married if you show interest in returning to the church. As with anything some churches are more strict than others. Usually the fee is $200+ donation to the church to get married. You will also be required to take marriage preparation classes. These can range from 1 weekend or a few Saturdays for a couple of hours. They are actually kind of fun and not as bad as the one on one counseling that some other religions require.
2007-07-23 18:45:57 · answer #3 · answered by Luv2Answer 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you were raised Catholic, then I assume you were baptized. Were you ever Confirmed in the church? If so, then you can probably be married in a Catholic church even though your fiance wasn't raised Catholic. Be warned, though, you will still have to attend pre-Cana classes and that's assuming the priest is willing to marry you despite your lack of religious activity and fervor. It will be up to the priest in question to decide.
All fees and donations would need to be discussed with the priest. He will be able to tell you what is correct and what is common for his church...but if you hope to get married in a cathedral when you don't even practice the religion, expect to pay through the nose if you're given permission to marry there at all.
I would have a good back up plan in place.
2007-07-23 18:54:51 · answer #4 · answered by gileswench 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would talk to the parish in question. You are still a Catholic if you were raised and went through all the bells and whistles. The amount you pay can depend on when the ceremony will be and how busy the time is and since you aren't a member of the church you will likely pay more than members. I would expect to pay between 300 and 600 depending on those things.
2007-07-23 18:56:16 · answer #5 · answered by indydst8 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to the cathedral and talk to whomever there books weddings. I'm sure they'll be able to answer your question. Heck, you can probably find out with a phone call, but since you like the place so much it's worth an in-person visit.
BTW, if you're baptized Catholic then in the eyes of the Church you're Catholic -- lapsed or not, you don't need a renewal license for that label. :-)
2007-07-23 18:42:22 · answer #6 · answered by Shiksa Mixuh 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're not a practicing Catholic, why do you want to get married in a Catholic church? For show? That's not what the sacrament is for. The answer to your question is no- not unless you plan on going to Confession and becoming an active member of the Church again.
2007-07-24 00:36:56 · answer #7 · answered by EMT2006 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think this question is for the people who are part of the church decision who actually attend the church, we can't help you with that. speak to the priest tell him how you fell. My church does not charge a fee if you are a member but if you are not a member they charge 500 and if you want the pastor to perform you ceremnoy they charge an extra 100, and theres also a test both couple take i have no idea what the test is about.
2007-07-23 19:05:08 · answer #8 · answered by Ethan's Mama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You, even though considered a luke room Catholic can still marry within that religion. Your boyfriend however would have to take lessons and convert in order to have your marriage blessed in this church. Investigate it with your local parish and they can explain time spent to convert, cost of ceremony etc. I'm certain that they will also try and have you both become active within the church but you as well as I know that after the ceremony you may choose to never cross the doorway again, that is up to you.
2007-07-23 18:38:50 · answer #9 · answered by crazylegs 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Call the Catholic Church and find out, each one is probably different. Tell them you havent been going to church, but you went there as a child, and it has been your dream to get married in that church.
I would probably give the church $100-300 depending on your total budget.
2007-07-23 18:37:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋